Are you involved in a community change effort in your community?

Harness new tools in this 5-part workshop series designed for individuals passionate about community that are curious how to apply an economic lens to social issues. Grow your understanding of the connections between the local economy, community development and social change in areas such as food security, affordable housing and local job creation.

Workshops can be taken independently or completed in full to earn a certificate of completion. This workshop series is designed in partnership between the Institute for Community Prosperity at Mount Royal University and Thrive.

Topics include:

The solutions economy - May 23, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

Communities around the world are looking to the local economy as a means of addressing growing social and environmental issues. This workshop will explore the history of how the economy has evolved and the growing imperative to build a new economy focused on local solutions to create social change.



The changing nature of business - June 20, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

There is a growing responsibility worldwide for business to go beyond financial return to shareholders to seek a greater community benefit that prioritizes people and place. As a result, new ways of doing business are emerging. This workshop will explore the changing nature of business and the role of social enterprise and cooperatives to address issues related to the energy transition (climate change), housing, food security, local job creation, gender equality and Reconciliation.



Strengthening systems for community economies - Sept 11, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

Building inclusive community economies often requires systems change to enable more community-based economic development. This workshop will explore the current opportunities to affect policy change towards a more just and equitable society for all. Learn how localizing spending and fostering community ownership build inclusive community economies.



Reconciliation and an inclusive economy - Oct 25, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

Faced with growing income inequality and stubbornly high levels of poverty in communities across Canada, Reconciliation offers a new perspective on building the local economy. In this workshop, learn how Indigenous worldview intersects with community-based economic development and the opportunities to build a shared understanding that creates jobs and builds communities.



Financing social change - Nov 20, 2018, 2-5 p.m.

Social change efforts that fail often lack the financial foresight needed to create the social benefit they are seeking. This workshop will explore what financing tools exist to support social change efforts from grassroots lending circles and local investment to the growing impact investing sector. Learn from fearless pioneers that have succeeded in creating sustainable large-scale community change through different financing solutions.



Guess what? Bursaries are available for individuals that have financial and/or travel barriers to attend. Simply email info@thrivecalgary.org with BURSARY in the subject line, explain your interest in the program, how the program will support your community change efforts and your reason for applying for a bursary.

Please note: Workshop times and locations may change depending on feedback from participants.



Economics of Social Change is made possible thanks to financial support from United Way of Calgary and Area and Family and Community Support Services Calgary.